The Young Bulls, Lonzo Ball and future of his highly-touted twin sons with Carlos Boozer
CHICAGO (WGN) — Former Chicago Bull and two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer tapped in with our very own Jarrett Payton to talk all things Bulls, NBA playoff basketball, and the pride he feels in his sons’ basketball success as they prepare to play at his college alma mater—Duke.
Here’s a breakdown of the conversation between the two.
The Young Bulls
Usually when an NBA team ships off their veteran talent in favor of building a youth movement, the turnover and transition that follows leads to some growing pains and a step back in the win column.
But for the Bulls and players like Coby White and Josh Gidddey, they’ve stepped up their play and kept Chicago in the playoff conversation.
“Not saying that this is crazy success, but to be in the play-in situation is something to be proud of for this young group,” Boozer said. “They have an opportunity to get into the playoffs and hopefully, they got to be able to take advantage.”
Boozer said young guys like White and Giddey have done a lot of growing up. They’re getting more playing time, leadership roles and opportunities to operate with the basketball in their hands, and they haven’t disappointed.
“Look at the development of Coby White. He’s become an incredible star in this league, especially for the Bulls, knocking down huge shots,” Boozer said. “I think [Giddey’s] game has always spoke volumes. I remember seeing him in OKC and I was like, man, this kid can really play. Then you see him in a Bulls uniform and he’s literally almost averaging a triple-double.
“He’s a guy that can score. He can pass. He can defend. He can play-make. He gets his teammates involved. He’s not a selfish player, but he’s a guy that you want to have the ball in his hands because he’ll usually make the right decision.”
Lonzo Ball is the latest in injury tragedies at point guard for the Bulls
When Carlos Boozer sees what Lonzo Ball has been through on and off the basketball court, it reminds him of another great Bulls point guard who was robbed of the prime of his basketball career by injuries—Derrick Rose.
“It’s tough man. It just honestly reminds me of D-Rose and what Pooh went through in the heart of his career,” Boozer said. “Lonzo Ball is going through something similar. Obviously, different injuries or what have you, but if the kid’s healthy, he’s a special player. He’s tall. He can shoot. He can play-make. He makes the game easier for his teammates. he’s very unselfish.
“Honestly, I think if he never gets injured, he’s probably one of the best young point guards we have in the game. That’s why he was drafted at where he was drafted at, but unfortunately, injuries do play a part in our business and in our game.”
Cameron and Cayden Boozer
Cameron and Cayden Boozer, Boozer’s sons and fraternal twins, are two highly-touted high school basketball recruits.
According to 247Sports, Cameron is the No. 2 high school in the two’s high school class, while Cayden ranks No. 21 overall and is the fourth-best point guard. Cameron is also a two-time Mr. Basketball in the State of Florida and was named Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2023.
Both Boozer twins also won four straight Florida high school state championships.
“When you first put the ball in their hands, you never envision this but, I’m just proud. I’m super proud man,” Boozer said. “They’ve worked their butts off and they love the game. They’re addicted to getting better. They’re obsessed with the journey.”
Boozer senior listed off a litany of accomplishments his twin sons have added to their resumes, but what puts the cherry on top, is where they intend to take their talents to in college.
“To top it all off, they’re getting recruited by everybody in the country, and they go to Duke,” Boozer said. “I’m just super proud. I can’t wait to see that Duke uniform on my sons and see what the future may hold for them.”
